Wood product manufacturer and distributor Hood Industries has announced it’s expanding its sawmill operations in Wayne County with a $245 million corporate investment.
Officials with the company and the state made the announcement Wednesday with Gov. Tate Reeves commending Hood for once again choosing Mississippi for a portion of its national operations.
“This nearly quarter-billion-dollar investment by Hood Industries is the latest win for Mississippi’s record-breaking economic development efforts,” Reeves said. “The things we’re accomplishing in the state are truly impressive, and our momentum is real. Mississippi is a wise investment. That’s why more and more companies are choosing to do business and expand here. It’s another great day for the state.”
Hood’s strategic expansion includes the construction of a new advanced sawmill in Waynesboro. It will be built in multiple phases in a site adjacent to the company’s existing mill and is expected to be complete by October 2026.
The Wayne County Board of Supervisors, which is assisting with the expansion, released a statement with board president Keith Clay pleased the expansion is coming to fruition.
“Hood Industries is a leader in the forest products sector and has called Wayne County home for its sawmill facility through the past 40 years,” Clay said. “The company’s commitment to the long-term success of its local mill, through planned state-of-the-art improvements, helps cement the Hood legacy of being one of the premiere corporate citizens and most outstanding neighbors.
“We believe Hood Industries’ significant investment speaks volumes about our workforce as well as the business strength and viability of Wayne County and the entire Pine Belt region of Mississippi.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is also assisting through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive program and through road and infrastructure improvements. The project is powered by Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy.
Hood currently operates three southern yellow pine sawmills, including two in Mississippi and one in Louisiana. The other Mississippi sawmill under Hood’s portfolio is in Silver Creek.
